Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski who is paying working visit to the US, met Wednesday with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Brian Hoyt Yee, Ministry of Defence said in a press release.

Jolevski informed about defence reforms, modernization of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM), which is fully in accordance with NATO standards, participation of ARM troops in NATO and other peacekeeping missions as well as process for preparation of new Defence Strategy of the Republic of Macedonia and Strategic Defence Review.

He also referred to Macedonia’s leadership in regional cooperation in defence sphere. Two week ago, Skopje became seat headquarters of the Balkan Medical Task Forces and defence ministers last week adopted decision Macedonia to host the main headquarters of the South Eastern Europe Brigade.

He also underlined that Macedonia’s integration into NATO is significant both for stability of country, the region and Europe and due to this it is essential to be invited to join the NATO. Macedonia has proven that deserves it place in the Alliance by its participation in NATO peacekeeping missions, the way it copes with migrant crisis and the level of interoperability with NATO armies.

Jolevski also met former officials of the US administration, experts in the sphere of defence and security policy and representatives of think tank community.